The Proletariat, "Voodoo Economics and other American Tragedies (Taang! Dbl CD)

A brilliant, forceful Boston band from the early to mid 80's and, if the lyrics concerning regreessive economic policies, militarism, religion et al still have resonance some fifteen years after the fact, it shows how things haven't really changed or advanced all that much. The Proletariat appeared on the "Boston Not LA" compilation and did play with the local hardcore bands of the time, but they differentiated themselves with their left-leaning political lyrics--often done in a repetitive, word fragment approach--and a musical approach that melded Gang Of Four-inspired/post-punk elements with harder-driving three chord punk. Shellshock guitar, strong, sometimes funky rhythms and Rick Brown's high-timbred cadence (replaced on two songs by Laurel Bowman, who was briefly the band's vocalist before their demise, after Rick left) all came together for a sonic protest against the bleak, frightening existence brought on by Reagan and his cronies. An exhaustive anthology, including both LP's, comp appearances, tracks from their scarce 1982 "Distortion" demo and a few unreleased items. Texture and melody became an increasing part of the picture by the time they had reached their second album, "Indifference", but it was without sacrificing the purity of rage. Indelible mantras, such as "Decorations," "Hollow Victory" (with omnipresent cowbell), "Marketplace" and "Another Banner Raised," mostly played at a fast clip and buzzing the senses with ideology and music force at the same time. There's a simplicity, perhaps a naiveté in the band's near sloganeering, but they also seemed sincere and the words are still sadly relevant. This music has been unavailable for too long............................................................

- Unknown, #43, Circa 2000